Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) today announced that it will bring clean water to more than 6,000 inhabitants in some peri-urban areas of Chingola to support national efforts of maintaining high health standards in communities.

A company official said four solar-powered boreholes will be sunk in different locations to provide clean water to the residents.

“The company has commenced the installation of the four water facilities which comprise of boreholes and water filtration units at Kalilo, Hellen, Kakosa West and Hippo Pool communities,” said KCM Manager Community Relations, Brian Siatubi.

Executive Mayor of Chingola Titus Tembo was represented by his deputy George Kampamba to lead a team of experts at a ground-breaking ceremony to commence the sinking of the boreholes. This brings to five the number of solar-powered boreholes KCM will sink after the first one in Shimulala, which is providing water to a separate 2,000 people.

Mr Tembo said the installation of boreholes would alleviate problems of water in the areas and improve sanitation and hygiene. He described the initiative as ‘a strong commitment to improving the lives of people in KCM’s areas of operation.’

“The installation of boreholes is a demonstration of KCM’s strong commitment to its Water Sanitation and Health (WASHE) pledge and a major contribution to sustainable development goals promoting universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water,” Mr Tembo said.

Mr Siatubi said the water project was part of KCM’s focus to uplift people’s standards of living anchored on four pillars of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), which are education, health, sustainable livelihoods and sport.

“Konkola Copper Mines fully agrees with the adage that ‘water is life’ and we are demonstrating this belief by sinking boreholes at a cost of seven hundred and sixty six hundred kwacha (K766,000),” Mr Siatubi said.

The model of KCM’s water projects is tailored onshared use of water facilities in communities and partnering with the government on projects promoting community development.